Thai actress Min Pechaya tearfully apologizes for promoting allegedly fraudulent iCon Group

At a press conference on Saturday, Min clarified that she was not officially employed by The iCon Group, which sells beauty products, health supplements, and offers online courses on sales and health protection. Instead, she acted solely as a product ambassador, as reported by Thairsath news site.

She mentioned that she had become involved with the company about a year ago, believing it to be reputable, as Thai PBS reported.

Thai actress Min Pechaya. Photo courtesy of her Instagram

Min acknowledged her failure to adequately research the company's history and expressed her regret to those affected by the supposed fraud, confirming that she has ended her association with the company.

On Saturday, the Thai police disclosed that they had collected 306 statements from people who were drawn into the company’s investment scheme, according to the Bangkok Post.

Deputy Police Spokesman Pol Col Uthane Nuipin reported that the estimated losses have climbed to 118 million baht (US$3.5 million) since the investigation commenced on Thursday.

The company in question reportedly lured individuals with marketing courses priced below 100 baht, subsequently urging them to invest further in products for resale. Additionally, participants were required to pay for attending events that featured celebrity endorsements.

The investigation is being progressively broadened by the authorities.

Several celebrities have been implicated in the scandal, including actor Pakorn Chatborirak who, during a televised interview, tearfully apologized to the victims, clarifying that his involvement was limited to promotional photoshoots and attending company events without any leadership role in the company.

Min Pechaya, aged 35 and a celebrated figure since her Miss Teen Thailand 2006 victory, is acclaimed for her performances in movies like "The Intriguing Scheme," "The Spicy Couple," "Twin Storms," "Chasing Love to the End of the World," and "The Imported Bride," with a substantial following of 7 million on Instagram.